• Kenny Shopsin’s cookbook, which will contain recipes for Blisters on My Sisters and Ho Cakes, will be published in September. [Diner’s Journal/NYT]

• The New York State Restaurant Association wants to make it easier for hotels, restaurants, and sports arenas to hire ex-cons so that they can replenish their shrinking labor pool. [Crain’s NY via Grinder/CHOW]

• The Next Food Network Star, the most-watched show on the channel, features two local finalists this season. [NYDN]

• Has dining in Manhattan — with its ironic dish names and $55 macaroni and cheese — become too witty and annoying? [NYO]